When 89-year-old Melbourne grandmother Barbara started falling over in her home, because of hip problems, she knew her days of living alone were over.
"My husband died and I was alone in a fairly large flat here and I needed someone to live with me," Barbara said.
But an innovative homesharing program in Victoria that matches young people with older people put her concerns to rest.
The program has been so successful, there's a proposal to start a similar program in New South Wales.
Managing director of Youth Action NSW Katie Acheson said there was a large amount of housing stock in Sydney that was being under-used.
"At the same time there's a whole bunch of older people and people living with a disability who are trying to stay at home for longer and wanting to stay out of care facilities," she said.
"Maybe they have a large home so they're asset rich but cash poor, so they can't afford to get help into their homes."
Under the proposal young people would complete tasks such as cooking and cleaning in return for subsidised or rent-free accommodation.
"We're suggesting that the government put together a pilot program where young people live with older people or people with a disability in exchange for about 10 hours of support around the home," Ms Acheson said.
"Housing affordability in Sydney is just insane and young people just want any sort of option and are really willing to look at alternative models."
At the same time, Ms Acheson said, older people wanted to maintain their family homes and their independent living styles that they have become accustomed to.
"It's kind of crazy that it's not in New South Wales [already] considering we have the highest youth population and the highest ageing population," she said.
"And the highest rental stress in the country."
Care and companionship
Barbara signed up to the program in Melbourne nearly four years ago and hasn't looked back.
Yin, a 33-year-old social work student, has been living with Barbara since that time.
Barbara now has peace of mind when it comes to safety in her three-bedroom home.
"You might have someone to pick you up if you faint at night or at least ring for an ambulance," she said.
That has happened to Barbara on a number of occasions.
"When I've been ill and had to go to hospital Yin brings my things into me," she said.
During the week Yin cooks dinner for Barbara and goes shopping with her on Saturday mornings.
"It has worked very well," Barbara said.
The 10 hours a week work in Barbara's home also works well for Yin who has been using the Wesley Homeshare service since 2009.
"The rent's crazy and when I heard about it I thought 'living with someone and to have someone to talk to and save me rent, that sounds great'," Yin said.
"Sometimes we share tea and when Barbara practises piano, I listen."
Both Barbara and Yin like listening to classical music and watching Antiques Roadshow together on television.
"It's great to know that somebody's here to be sure that you're looked after," Barbara said.
"She is very kind and caring."
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